KNOWLEDGES, an experimental art initiative, invites the public to experience nature and science through a contemporary art lens—more than 5,000 feet above Los Angeles.

A number of CalArtians are participating in the art happening, which takes place this weekend (June 23-24) at Mount Wilson Observatory, located in the San Gabriel Mountains just outside of Pasadena.

The observatory is a working scientific research center housing two historically important telescopes. KNOWLEDGES uses the observatory grounds to showcase the work of more than 30 contemporary artists in exhibition, performances, film/video screenings and other forms of temporary art installations, which extend ideas embodied by the observatory itself.

The projects scheduled throughout the weekend focus on astronomy, scientific discovery, space exploration, optics, recorded observation, philosophical questions of cosmology, the history, aesthetics and ecology of the site and its influence upon the cultural landscape of LA.

From the curators:

KNOWLEDGES at Mount Wilson Observatory presents contextual explorations of contemporary art and science—the formal parallels between which are many. Artists and scientists share literal vision, and also create conceptual models to envision the unseen. Scientific documentation and engineering corresponds to artistic exploration and craft in many ways: for nearly one hundred years, scientists at Mount Wilson Observatory have created daily sunspot drawings viewed from the 150-foot Solar-Tower, much telescopic observation is recorded through direct photography, deep space images are colored as they might be perceived by the naked human eye, and scientific instruments are observed as stunning objects, in and of themselves. All of these activities share an aesthetic discourse with art and a fascinating exchange between traditional and innovative methodologies that transform experiences of the universe into knowledge.

The event is free to the public, but because the observatory is in the Angeles National Forest, an Adventure Pass ($5 per car/one day or $30 per car/one year )is required for each vehicle parked on the grounds.

Archives

24700 is CalArts' online space dedicated to sharing news and work of the larger CalArts community from around the world. The blog captures stories of the exploration of new forms and expressions in the arts by our students, faculty, staff and alumni.